The Golden Spike linking the eastern and western segments of the Great Transcontinental Railway was driven into the railroad ties in Promontory Summit, Utah, linking East and West on May 10, 1869. And that's just one of the historic facts that will make your days at a Utah college or university interesting. Utah has a long and vibrant history, starting with tens of thousands of years of Native American settlement. The long wagon trains moving Americans west in the Gold Rush and beyond crossed Utah, and perhaps its most celebrated settlers were the Mormons, who found sanctuary at last in 1846, after many years of continued exile and oppression as they wandered across the country.

Today, the strong influence of the significant Mormon population makes Utah an industrious and self-reliant state, where neighbors look out for neighbors, and everyone does their best to make strangers feel welcome. Attending college in Utah is likely to be a memorable and valuable experience.

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Utah Career Colleges: Environmental Science Degrees

Many employers require a bachelor's degree as the minimum education requirement for a career in natural resources and conservation. While there is no formal education requirement in some states or with some employers, the chances of securing employment is much higher if you do carry a degree or diploma.

In addition to specific training for your career specialty, it is recommended that you include science, mathematics, communications and computer science in your education. With the basic training and courses mastered, you can specialize in forest resource management, urban forestry or wood technology, among others.

Natural resources and conservation workers manage forests, lakes and streams to protect them from environmental damage. You may be called upon to plant seedlings, survey and map forest areas, or have experience to develop educational programs. You need to be aware that some conservationists need to work in isolated areas for long periods of time without direct supervision. There will be times, however, when teamwork is essential to achieving desired results. You should also anticipate that the jobs in this industry could be physically demanding, requiring heavy lifting.

Almost a third of natural resources and conservation workers are self-employed. As a qualified natural resources and conservation worker, you can contract your services to almost any company or government agency. No matter whom you work for, though, your employer will expect a strict adherence to company values and confidentiality laws.

If you enjoy working outside alone, and like the idea of protecting our nation's natural resources, then you should consider training for a career in natural resources and conservation.